December is upon us and with it we welcome in a season of joy and giving. And, certainly, WTVP has much to celebrate: a national winner, an Emmy Award, a new local series, incredible local productions, celebrity guests, hundreds of dedicated volunteers and thousands of generous members and donors. And, of course, the best television on television.

It is also a season of reflection and remembrance. We have lost many good friends this year and it is with great sadness that we mark the recent passing of two of them.

Margaret O'Neill was the matriarch of the O'Neill family and it was through her and her late husband Bill's generosity that WTVP was able to acquire our current home here on State Street - formerly the O'Neill Bros. Transfer & Storage facility. Marge was a woman of faith, family and quiet philanthropy who led by example with grace, class and style. A portrait of her and Bill hangs in our entry way - a major concession for a woman who mainly preferred her gifts to remain anonymous.

That portrait was painted by Mr. Bill Hardin, a talented artist and long-time friend of WTVP. It was our great pleasure to work closely with Bill to host an exhibit of his extensive collection here at the station, and it is our honor to have three of his portraits in our permanent collection: the O'Neills, Glen and Polly Barton and station founder Phil Weinberg. Our deepest condolences go out to both the O'Neill and Hardin families. We are grateful to have been part of your loved one's life and legacy.

And it is a time to look to the future and all it holds for making WTVP an even stronger public media organization for central Illinois in the digital age. I encourage you to visit wtvp.org for more information about the FCC Spectrum Auction and what it could mean to you.

On behalf of the staff and board of WTVP, I thank you for your support of WTVP and wish you and yours a peaceful and prosperous holiday season.